The Duke of Norfolk CofE Primary School

The Duke of Norfolk CofE Primary School

Parent Information

What should children wear for forest school?

First there is no such thing as bad weather, as long we are dressed for it. Children should all have a change of clothing that will get dirty, so this should be old clothes that it doesn’t matter about (include a spare pair of socks if the weather is very wet).

Children should always dress appropriate for the weather. so make sure they have a fleece or a jumper on cold days. However for all sessions the outer layer should always be waterproof and again shouldn't cause a problem if it gets dirty (because it probably will). Try to include waterproof over trouser to give total protection from the wet. Remember your child can always take a layer off if they are to hot, but they can’t put it on if they haven’t got it (with this in mind a small rucksack might be useful).

Footwear regardless of the weather should be either BOOTS or WELLIES, NOT TRAINERS. As the children are in the woods/scrubland in a natural, wild environment, with brambles and nettles growing through the grass and the undergrowth, it is essential that the children have protection for the front of their ankles. It would be easy to trip or catch a foot under a bramble as the children are moving about, which would result in a nasty graze or cut if they are only wearing trainers. However as boots or wellies both come up above the ankle they provide far better protection and are therefore far more suitable regardless of it being wet, dry. Sunny or cold. Please try to ensure children have a carrier bag or other suitable bag to take wet and muddy waterproofs and boots home.

Responsibilities of Accompanying Staff and Parent Volunteers

·To take an active role in Forest School activities.

·To assist with any discipline issues within the group, any serious discipline issues should be reported to the forest school leader to deal with.

·To assist with the Forest School Leader in ensuring equipment meets safety standards and to report any concerns about the state of equipment immediately.

·To encourage children to be involved with activities and assist the Forest School Leader in teaching children to maintain their own and others health and safety.

·To report accidents or hazards to the Forest School Leader immediately.

·To take responsibility for making themselves aware of safety issues, such as the whereabouts of the first aid kit.

·To provide their own suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.

·To remember the sessions are about the children learning from their experimenting and their own discovery.